Treating Anxiety, Dizziness and Pain with Sarah Conover, PT, MHS, CHC
Mental Health Physical Therapist Podcast
Release Date: 09/16/2025
Treating Anxiety, Dizziness and Pain with Sarah Conover, PT, MHS, CHC
Mental Health Physical Therapist Podcast
In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with Sarah Conover, PT, MHS, CHC, a vestibular therapist with a background in treating conditions related to anxiety, dizziness, and pain. Sarah shared her journey, starting from her early career in the late 1980s, working in acute neuro care, to her current practice, which focuses on chronic vestibular issues. She highlighted the evolution of vestibular therapy and the increasing recognition of conditions like vestibular migraine, 3PD (persistent postural perceptual dizziness), and Mal de Débarquement syndrome. We delved into the intricate...
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Integrating Mental Health and Pain Science into the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Mental Health Physical Therapist Podcast
In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with Dr. Sarah Case-Morris, assistant professor at the University of Michigan–Flint, to explore how mental health, pain science, and health and wellness promotion are being woven into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Case-Morris shares her inspiring journey from teaching assistant to shaping the next generation of PTs, and we dive into her research on how early-career therapists—trained in the biopsychosocial model—approach pain and mental health differently than those rooted in a more traditional biomedical lens. We also talk about...
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Opportunities for Physical Therapists In Mental Health and Behavioral Health
Mental Health Physical Therapist Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Joe Tatta explores the emerging and expanding roles of physical therapists in mental health. The focus of this episode is to identify where PTs are needed, how to approach stakeholders, and how to position yourself as a credible and collaborative provider in integrative mental care settings. Dr. Tatta highlights multiple healthcare environments in need of PTs trained in mental health, including primary care, addiction recovery, pain clinics, psychiatric hospitals, school-based programs, community mental health centers, and digital health platforms. Listeners learn who...
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Trauma Treatment Delivered by a Physical Therapist
Mental Health Physical Therapist Podcast
In this episode, we delve into how physical therapists are uniquely positioned to treat trauma. We highlight how trauma—whether physical, emotional, or social—can influence recovery and how physical therapists can play a pivotal role in helping patients feel safe, seen, and supported. Through real-world examples and clinical insights, we demonstrate how simple practices, such as consent before manual care, understanding the nervous system, and recognizing signs of trauma, can transform patient care. Rather than seeing trauma as a barrier, we reframe it as an opportunity for physical...
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Whole Person Mental Health Care Delivered by a Physical Therapist
Mental Health Physical Therapist Podcast
In today's episode, we explore the concept of whole-person mental health delivered by a physical therapist. We explore what whole person health means, its various forms, and how it shapes physical therapist practice. My cohost, Jeremy Fletcher, PT, DPT, shares his experience with whole person care during his time as a physical therapist on active duty, highlighting the Performance Triad initiative by the U.S. Army, which focused on sleep, activity, and nutrition. I’ll recount key parts of my journey into whole person health, starting with a mindfulness course and later publishing...
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The Scope of Mental Health Physical Therapy
Mental Health Physical Therapist Podcast
In this episode, we dive deep into the intriguing intersection of physical therapy and mental health, exploring the often-blurred lines between the two fields. We kick off the discussion by reflecting on a common sentiment expressed by patients: that their physical therapy sessions feel akin to psychotherapy. This leads us to consider the role of physical therapists in addressing mental and behavioral health issues, and the importance of understanding our scope of practice in this area. Learn about training as a . This episode also outlines three key scopes relevant to physical...
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What is Mental Health Physical Therapy?
Mental Health Physical Therapist Podcast
Welcome to the first episode of the Mental Health Physical Therapist Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Joe Tatta and Dr. Jeremy Fletcher trace the history and evolution of mental health physical therapy, from WWI reconstruction aides to today’s integrative, mind-body approaches. We highlight milestones like psychosomatic medicine, psychologically informed care, and the formation of the IOPTMH. The episode underscores the growing role of physical therapists in addressing mental health through screening, education, and cognitive-behavioral strategies. We also discuss APTA’s recent policy steps...
info_outlineIn this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with Sarah Conover, PT, MHS, CHC, a vestibular therapist with a background in treating conditions related to anxiety, dizziness, and pain. Sarah shared her journey, starting from her early career in the late 1980s, working in acute neuro care, to her current practice, which focuses on chronic vestibular issues. She highlighted the evolution of vestibular therapy and the increasing recognition of conditions like vestibular migraine, 3PD (persistent postural perceptual dizziness), and Mal de Débarquement syndrome.
We delved into the intricate connections between the vestibular system and mental health, discussing how dizziness can trigger anxiety and other autonomic responses due to the close interplay between the vestibular system, the autonomic nervous system, and brain structures like the amygdala and hypothalamus. Sarah emphasized the importance of a holistic approach in treatment, incorporating mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies to help patients manage their symptoms.
Sarah also shared her personal journey with anxiety and how it has influenced her practice. She employs a range of tools, including mindfulness practices, thought reframing, and expressive writing, to assist her patients in developing a sense of safety and acceptance regarding their symptoms. We also touched on the role of spirituality in healing, with Sarah explaining how she gently explores this aspect with her patients to support their overall well-being.
To learn more about Sarah’s work, visit her at dizzycoach.com
Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for more information and CEU courses on pain and mental health for physical therapists.
Thank you for listening,
Joe Tatta, PT, DPT
CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute